May 2020

Time once again to honor an elite group of guitarists and builders whose playing and innovation have held immeasurable influence over millions. The VG Hall of Fame this year welcomes Mark Knopfler, Peter Frampton, the late Michael Bloomfield and Jim Dunlop, along with Alexander Dumble’s Overdrive Special. Recognition continues with this year’s winners of the Readers’ Choice Awards, including Derek Trucks, Marty Stuart, Robben Ford, Buddy Guy, and Joe Bonamassa.

We interview all-star guitar advocate Sadler Vaden, discussing his new album and life backing artists from bar-grinders to the internationally revered. Doyle Dykes tells the amazing story of his cherished Martin D-45, and we deep-dive on the Epiphone Electar Century combo. The late blues phenom Jeff Healey gets the full treatment in Wolf Marshall’s “Fretprints,” and “Pop ’N Hiss” reveals new details on the Rush classic, Moving Pictures.

We talk new music with Robert Cray, G.E. Smith, Buck Dharma, John McLaughlin, Luther Dickinson, Sonny Landreth, and Gary Moore guitar tech Graham Lilley.

Your never-ending search for the coolest new gadgets and toys should start with our list of “Approved Gear” – the Function F(x) Cannon Dual Fuzz, Hagerman Boost & Overdrive, JHS Colour Box, Asken Intercooler, Becos CompIQ Pro, Orange TremLord 30, Boss Katana-100 MkII, and the Gibson SG Special.

New music keeps us vital, right? Let our “Hit List” guide you to the best new stuff, including the latest from Sonny Landreth, Robert Cray, Jake Shimabukuro, Motörhead, Booker T & The M.G.’s, Warren Haynes, and many others.